Clostridium botulinum Identified Utilizing Advanced PCR Techniques

Cinnaminson, NJ, January 29, 2013
 
Clostridium botulinum is a rod-shaped type of bacteria that is able to survive for years in a dormant state.  It is also responsible for causing the disease known as botulism.
 
Botulism is a paralyzing disease affecting the nervous system.  It is caused by the ingestion of one of the neurotoxins produced by Clostridium botulinum. Even small amounts can have a devastating impact on people.
 
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), “Botulism is a life-threatening disease caused by the ingestion of a potent neurotoxin produced during growth of the C. botulinum bacteria. This neurotoxin is among the most toxic substances known; even microscopic amounts can cause illness or death. In the past, botulism was linked primarily to home-canned foods. In recent decades, however, botulism illnesses have been linked to foods such as unrefrigerated homemade salsa, baked potatoes sealed in aluminum foil, honey (the primary cause of botulism in infants), garlic in oil, and traditionally prepared salted or fermented fish.”
 
Clostridium botulinum and its spores are widely distributed in nature. They occur in soils and the bottom sediments of bodies of water.  They can also be found at times in the intestinal tracts of fish and mammals, as well as in some crabs and other shellfish.
 
“Environmental and food testing for Clostridium botulinum can help prevent people from contracting botulism,” stated Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc., a leading environmental and food testing laboratory.  “EMSL is capable of analyzing samples for Clostridium botulinum utilizing advanced PCR techniques which provide for rapid and highly accurate results.”
 
EMSL has sponsored a video about Clostridium botulinum that can be seen at:
http://youtu.be/A-_QTgKwHEw
 
To learn more about testing for Clostridium botulinum or other microbial contaminants and pathogens, please contact EMSL Analytical at www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .
 
About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com